5 days ago
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The Caye Caulker community has answered the call of one villager whose house was burnt down last night. Reporter Andrea Lozano has the story.
Andrea Lozano, Love News: A tour guide lost his Caye Caulker and his snorkeling equipment last night when his house was destroyed by fire. 37-year-old Kanan Batty was inside his home, along with his son, when they were awakened by smoke coming out of the upper flat. It was around 11:30 when Batty escaped the inferno along with his son, who was sleeping in the lower flat. Batty spoke with the Love News expressing disbelief and gratitude that he and his son were unharmed.
Canon Batty, Fire Victim: “It was something like, you know, I would never forget, but on the end of the day, you know, I’m alive. As I said, and the community here is to help me and things get better and I day and just think for a brighter day and a brighter tomorrow because you know I felt for everyone that lost their homes in fires like this in these times because you know I always see it on television and see people going through it and I pray for them but I would never believed it would have knocked on my door and it’s like it came in a thieve in the night you know ?”
Andrea Lozano, Love News: The fire broke in the Bahia area of the island and destroyed the 20×12 wooden house valued at $40,000. Since the incident the village council has launched a relief drive to assist in the rebuilding and provision of basic necessities. One member of the community confirmed to our newsroom that they have united to assist the fire victim.
Caye Caulker Community Member: “We visited the village council this morning, there was a lot of donations that have been made from community members and it’s a small community as always everyone tries to chip in and see how we could help a fellow villager so that’s what we’re doing and and we’re going to see what all we could help with.”
Andrea Lozano, Love News: Authorities on the island say that they are yet to determine the cause of the fire but foul play is not suspected. Despite losing everything, Batty says that he is grateful for the coming together of the Caye Caulker community.
Canon Batty, Fire Victim: “I haven’t lost hope. I’m just going to keep the faith and be strong because, you know, I got to be strong for my son too. You know, things can be replaced in the community around, like in Caye Caulker here, you know, and everyone around is, you know, it’s very positive about the situation to give me hope and courage.”
Andrea Lozano, Love News
The Caye Caulker Village Council has launched a community relief effort to assist the displaced family. Chairlady Seleny Pott and Vice Chair Tracie Young are appealing to residents for donations of essential items including men’s and boys’ clothing, blankets, utensils, hygiene products, and basic food supplies.
English (US) ·